Economic Crisis and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet: Possible Impact on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Metabolic Phenotypes in the Cohort of the MOLI-SANI Study

Specific aims:

Aim 1: To identify population groups differently affected by the economic crisis within the population-based cohort of the MOLI-SANI study recruited in the years 2005-2006 (before economic crisis). This aim will be achieved by a new assessment of self-reported economic difficulties possibly emerged after the recruitment.

Aim 2: To estimate possible changes in dietary and health-related behaviours (with particular focus on the adherence to the Mediterranean diet) in subjects identified in the previous aim as highly or poorly affected by the economic crisis. Inflammatory status and metabolic phenotypes will be assessed in the two groups, recalled in a suitable proportion, to establish a possible link between shifting from the Mediterranean diet and adverse health outcomes. Quality of life and stress status will also be evaluated.

Aim 3: To evaluate in the group more affected by economic constraints whether nutrition knowledge and mass media exposure would account for the decline in the adherence to the Mediterranean diet and consequent changes in inflammatory status and/ or metabolic phenotypes.

Experimental Design Aim 1: Aim 1 will identify two groups of subjects as being most or less affected by the economic crisis. This aim will be reached by recall of 7,000 individuals from the Moli-sani cohort recruited in the years 2005-2006. Subjects will be administered a questionnaire to assess economic constraints likely occurred after the economic crisis onset. The questionnaire will update socioeconomic position and estimate economic constraints, food quality and food expenditure.